It is always a shame to see a spot go downhill, whether it be a local independent or even a chain, sadly this has been the case at Starbucks, this location at City Tower was once one of my favourite Starbucks branches, but with many staff changes, including the manager and most baristas, it's now become a store, I'd rather avoid.
I have noticed service has become much slower, on my most recent occasion, I was waiting for 10 minutes after ordering my drink, with one barista using her phone, instead of helping the small queue actually get served with beverages.
Beverage quality has also declined too.
The interior is still spacious and rather nice, they have removed a lot of tables though, this means it can be difficult to get a table (Usually it was pretty easy), this is something they have had in place since re-opening through COVID in 2020, they seem to have taken out most of the seats and liked it, no other Starbucks in the city has done that! This makes it a little uncomfortable and cramped to sit in, again a real shame.
Due to the location, I have witnessed some pretty crazy scenes here, with homeless people begging inside the store, and customers who appear to be drug users off the streets, coming in and being violent towards the staff, they really could do with a security guard, as it isn't nice witnessing what goes on here half the time when trying to relax with a drink, especially if you're visiting with family or young children.
2* - I hope this place returns to its former glory sooner rather than later. read more